📕 "The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do" by Jeff Goins (Sunday Book Review)
SBR #3: Find your calling and turn it into meaningful work
In this Substack, I will walk you through the process of starting, operating, maintaining, and — if needed — selling or closing your own small business.
And, in today’s Sunday Book Review, I write about an inspiring book that talks about discovering what you were meant to do in life simply by living and learning. If your journey is not a straight line but looks more like a giant scribble, this book is for you!
📕 The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do
Author: Jeff Goins
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Book Overview
In The Art of Work, Jeff Goins explores the idea that discovering your life's purpose isn't a single moment of clarity but a process of learning, adapting, and growing into your true calling.
Through compelling stories and practical insights, Goins breaks down the myths surrounding career success and offers a framework for aligning your work with what truly matters.
…for Entrepreneurs & Freelancers
This book is ideal for business owners, freelancers, and anyone seeking fulfillment beyond just a paycheck.
If you've ever felt stuck, uninspired, or unsure of whether you're on the right path, The Art of Work provides a refreshing perspective.
Instead of promising overnight success, Goins emphasizes the importance of embracing failures, pivoting when necessary, and treating life as a journey of discovery.
Whether you're launching a business, transitioning careers, or refining your skills, this book will help you rethink how you approach work and purpose.
#1 Biggest Takeaway
Your calling isn't something you stumble upon by accident.
Where you are today is a result of all of your life’s work, cultivated through action, reflection, and persistence.
Each step, even the missteps, plays a role in shaping your path.
5 Key Insights
Your calling is a journey, not a destination. Purpose isn't found overnight; it evolves as you gain experience and listen to your life’s lessons.
Every path has detours. Setbacks and unexpected changes aren't failures but part of the process that refines your direction.
Apprenticeship matters. Learning from mentors, embracing humility, and putting in the work are essential to mastery.
Pain and struggles shape your purpose. The challenges you overcome often point you toward the work you're meant to do.
Legacy is built over time. True success is measured by the impact you leave, not just financial rewards or accolades.
What You Can Do
Here are 10 recommendations from the book to embrace your unique journey, be true to yourself, and get in alignment with your values.
(1) Reflect on past experiences.
Recall and identify patterns with what you have already done.
What was exciting?
What was rewarding?
What would you love to do more of… or less of..?
(2) Capture discoveries.
Write about the stand-out moments to learn more.
Brain-dump the memories that come to mind first
Take note of how you feel about those memories
Differentiate the good, the bad, and the ugly
(3) Share, align, and connect.
Find a mentor or join a community that resonates with you.
Consider these venues:
Professional organizations or communities
Book clubs
1:1 mentors and coaches
(4) Experiment.
Before you abandon where you are now, use your free time to test out alternatives.
Start a side project
Get a part-time gig in the new field
Offer pro bono services to friends and colleagues
(5) Shift your mindset.
Setbacks are just learning opportunities - not roadblocks or failures.
Focus on what you learned.
Keep trying!
Don’t give up.
(6) Change is good.
When change hurts, that means your brain is rewiring itself to learn.
Things may not be going the way you expect them to go.
Pay attention to the learning opportunities that come with change.
You may not end up where you planned - it may be even better!
(7) Provide value to others.
You will get back more than you give.
Be generous.
Take the time to help those who need you.
Don’t focus only on what you might get out of it.
(8) Keep the big picture in focus.
Regularly evaluate whether your current work aligns with your long-term goals.
Learn what you can from what you are doing today.
Ensure that each step is heading in the right direction.
Focus on what feels relevant and in alignment.
(9) Be inspired by others.
Learn more about how other people achieved what you are pursuing.
Read biographies of people who inspire you.
Connect with experts and thought-leaders who are sharing their discoveries.
Find commonalities between yourself and your role models.
(10) Evaluate your progress along the way.
Take intentional breaks to reflect and recalibrate your direction when needed.
Take time to measure progress and gains.
Ask yourself how you feel about the journey.
When stuck, try to break down barriers or remove roadblocks.
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”
- Joseph Campbell
For more book recommendations to Bootstrap Your Business, check out my list of:
If you enjoyed this Sunday Book Review, let me know in the comments, or please restack this post for others to enjoy!